When casual dining restaurant chain Chili’s Grill & Bar first opened its doors in early 2003, it was truly “like no place else,” as dubbed by various Chili’s advertisements. After serving countless $6 Margarita of the Months and classic Crispy Chicken Crispers to generations of Northwestern and Evanston residents, the flame has been extinguished.
The restaurant was located at 1765 Maple Ave., nestled in Church Street Plaza, near AMC Evanston 12. When it was announced that a 27-story tower would take over Chili’s, a Change.org petition spearheaded by Kellogg second-year MBA student Mackenzie Anderson racked up 612 signatures, showing that Chili’s was the place to pepper in some fun for many.
The restaurant’s Southwestern-inspired interior and decor complemented dishes such as their famous baby back ribs, popular “3 for me” deal and the beloved Triple Dipper meal.
On Dec. 4, a former Chili’s employee shared on Facebook that the Downtown Evanston location would be closing its doors permanently. The opportunity to be welcomed by chili-themed regalia while having a great time with superb company would cease after Dec. 15.
The loss of an establishment like Chili’s means one less option for students and residents who want a late-night option in the city. Those yearning for the sensation of a molten chocolate cake can commute out west to Skokie’s location, approximately seven miles away from Evanston.
For now, we will recite classic sayings like “I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back Ribs,” “It All Starts with a Marg” and “Hi! Welcome To Chili’s.” As once said by “The Office” character Pam Beesly, “I feel God in this Chili’s tonight.”
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Related Stories:
— A requiem for Chili’s Evanston: Community members mourn restaurant, scrutinize planned high-rise
— Chili’s on chopping block amid plan to demolish stores, build tower at Church Street Plaza
